Reported Explosion Sparks Detached Garage Fire In California, MD

Photo courtesy of Bay District Volunteer Fire Department

CALIFORNIA, Md. — Firefighters extinguished a fire inside a detached garage Saturday morning after a 911 caller reported an explosion in the 45900 block of Patuxent Lane.

Bay District Volunteer Fire Department crews were dispatched at approximately 7:58 a.m. July 11 for an explosion investigation involving a small, detached structure.

The caller initially reported that something had exploded inside a neighbor’s garage and that smoke was visible. Flames were reported inside the building a short time later.

Firefighters arrived to find smoke coming from a one-story, wood-frame garage. Crews stretched a 250-foot attack line to the structure and entered the building, where they found a small fire beginning to grow in the rear portion of the garage.

The fire was quickly extinguished. Firefighters opened portions of the structure to check for hidden flames but found no extension beyond the initial fire area.

Crews ventilated smoke from the attic space and shut off electrical power to the garage as a safety precaution. The incident was scaled back within approximately 20 minutes, with one engine remaining to complete final checks.

No injuries were reported.

The homeowner indicated that the fire may have started from a lithium-ion battery, although the official cause remained under review.

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in e-bikes, scooters, power tools, cellphones, tablets, laptops and other devices. Fire officials warned that damaged, improperly charged or overheated batteries can catch fire, explode or reignite.

Residents are urged to use manufacturer-approved chargers, avoid overcharging devices and inspect batteries for swelling, cracks, leaks or unusual heat. Damaged batteries should not be used or placed in household trash.

Anyone who notices smoke, fire or signs of battery failure should leave the area and call 911.